Office Window Cleaning Checklist

Clean exterior windows ensure a good first impression of your business. Sparkling interior windows let natural light in to support good office morale. So how do you ensure streak-free office windows that keep your business looking its best? Our office window cleaning guide is here to help.

Here is a detailed office window cleaning checklist, including approaches to cleaning exterior and interior windows. We’ll also share some common mistakes to avoid and some of our insider window cleaning tips.

 

Key Summary

  • Clean office windows signal strong professionalism and help contribute to a positive first impression of your business
  • Natural light and a clean work environment can help boost employee morale and productivity
  • Following a detailed office window cleaning checklist can ensure effective, safe results
  • The first step in office window cleaning is making sure you have the right equipment, including a squeegee, microfibre cloths, cleaning products, a bucket, and an extension pole or ladder
  • It is important to clear the area of any obstacles and keep bystanders safe during the cleaning process
  • Hiring professional window cleaners can save significant time and end up being more cost-effective

 

Preparation: Tools and Equipment Needed

You don’t want to be in the middle of office window cleaning only to realise you’re missing a squeegee or cloth.

Prepare beforehand to ensure you have all the window cleaning tools and equipment ready to go.

Here are the supplies we recommend for office window cleaning: 

  • Squeegee: Squeegees are the classic window-cleaning tool. They gently wipe away excess water for a streak-free shine. We suggest a 12-inch squeegee, but you may wish to use a smaller or larger squeegee depending on the window size.
  • Microfibre Cloths: Some people use towels or sponges to wipe away excess water, but we prefer microfibre cloths. These are ideal for gently wiping away any excess water from corners or edges. Since they are lint-free, they do not leave any debris behind, resulting in a nice shine.
  • Window Scrubber: A soft-bristled window scrubber can be helpful for areas with stains or build-up that need extra scrubbing power
  • Cleaning Agent: You can purchase a dedicated window cleaning solution, glass cleaner, or water mixed with a mild dish soap.
  • Bucket: A bucket to hold warm water and your cleaner of choice
  • Extension Pole: Extension poles can be useful for reaching higher areas without using a ladder
  • Ladders: If you do not have an extension pole, you may need a ladder, depending on your office window height.

At Broadway Cleaners, we’ve switched from the classic squeegee method to water-fed pole cleaning for even better results. This method relies on a telescopic pole and purified water to deliver the clearest, sparkling glass.

Water-fed pole cleaning is safer than traditional office cleaning methods since it involves less bulky equipment and ladders.

Learn about why we use water-fed pole cleaning and how it works here: Benefits of Water-Fed Pole Cleaning For Office Window Cleaning.

 

Exterior Window Cleaning Checklist and Process

Here is a simple exterior office window cleaning checklist to help you streamline the process and ensure good results.

1. Clear and Prepare the Space

First, clear and prepare the space where you’ll be cleaning. Keep in mind that you’ll need to protect any bystanders, pedestrians, or staff from falling equipment or leaning ladders.

Ideally, set aside a time to complete exterior window cleaning outside of office hours or busy parts of the day.

Here’s how to prepare for exterior window cleaning:

  • Clear away obstacles, such as equipment, furniture, and decor near the base of the windows
  • Remove screens
  • Inspect windows, caulking, and window tracks for any debris or damage
  • Make note of any gaps or cracks that require repair
  • Fill your bucket with warm water and your window cleaning solution
  • Set up any ladders or extension poles you’ll be using and gather all supplies in one space

2. Dust and Remove Loose Dry Debris

Inspect all windows, especially the corners, for any cobwebs, leaves, or twigs. Remove any loose dry debris and wipe away any dust.

3. Wet Windows One at a Time

Wet your window scrubber with the warm water and cleaning solution, making sure to wring out excess moisture. Use gentle vertical strokes to wipe the window panes, starting at the top corner and working down.

4. Use a Squeegee

Dampen the rubber blade of your squeegee and pull it horizontally across the window.  If you are right-handed, it will feel most natural to start at the top left corner. Use a microfibre cloth to soak up excess water between each stroke.

5. Wipe Corners and Edges

Check edges and corners for leftover moisture. Any water droplets can dry unevenly and lead to streaks.

6. Perform Necessary Touch-Ups

Once finished, take a step back and examine the glass for streaks, stains, or water marks. Pay close attention to the ground and upper corners, as these spots are common for streaks. Repeat the cleaning process as needed to remove any streaks or stains.

 

 

Interior Window Cleaning Checklist and Process

Cleaning interior office windows will involve a similar checklist, but this process should be easier than exterior windows. There is no weather to contend with, and you’ll likely be able to reach interior windows with ease.

Still, you’ll need to choose a cleaning time that does not impede work operations.

1. Clear and Prepare the Space

First, clear and prepare the space where you’ll be cleaning. We recommend scheduling window cleaning outside of office hours or during a slower time of the workday.

Here’s how to prepare for interior window cleaning:

  • Clear away obstacles near the windows, such as furniture or office equipment
  • Put down protective plastic or sheets to protect the surfaces below from any drips
  • Remove screens
  • Inspect window tracks, sills, frames, caulking, locks, and rollers for damage and schedule repairs as necessary
  • Have your equipment and tools ready and warm water and window cleaning solution in your bucket

2. Dust and Remove Loose Dry Debris

Dust the windows to remove any cobwebs or loose debris. We prefer vacuuming to actually remove dust rather than spreading it around to resettle elsewhere.

3. Wet the Windows One at a Time

Next, soak your window scrubber with the solution of cleaner and warm water. Wring out any excess moisture.

Starting at the top corner of the window pane, use vertical strokes to work your way down. Use consistent but light pressure to avoid damage. Work at a fast pace and do one window at a time.

4. Squeegee to Avoid Streaks

Use a squeegee to clear away excess water to prevent streaks.

5. Wipe Corners and Edges

Use a microfibre cloth to wipe away any moisture from the corners or edges. This prevents trapped water that can cause streaks.

6. Perform Necessary Touch-Ups

Once you are finished, stand back and evaluate the glass for streaks or water marks. Pay close attention to areas near the ground and upper corners, as these are commonly missed. Repeat the cleaning process to remove any streaks or stains.

 

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Don’t Forget Windowsills:

Windowsills are a magnet for dust, but they are still commonly forgotten. Don’t let the glass surface get all the cleaning attention. Make sure to thoroughly dust and clean out windowsills to ensure truly clean results. 

Treating All Windows the Same:

Do you know if your office windows are single-pane or double-pane? This is important to know for the window cleaning process.

Single-pane windows aren’t as durable as double-paned, so we recommend using less pressure when scrubbing them. Double-pane windows are more durable but still require a gentle, non-abrasive window-specific cleaner and soft cloths for cleaning.

Cleaning Exterior Windows on Cloudy Days:

You may not wish to work under We understand not wanting to work under the hot sunlight, but cleaning on cloudy days can lead to streaks.

Sunlight helps highlight debris, streaks, and imperfections, ensuring a spotless job. Cloudy days can hinder cleaning efforts by camouflaging dirty areas or streaks. This can lead to window cleaning efforts needing to be redone.

Thinking Professional Perth Office Window Cleaning Is Too Expensive:

Another common window cleaning mistake is feeling like you have to tackle it yourself due to high costs. However, you need to factor in the cost of purchasing cleaning agents, clothes, sponges, buckets, extension poles, and ladders. Not to mention the time commitment required. It can be more cost-effective and time-saving to hire professional window cleaners.

You May Also Like: 8 Signs It’s Time to Hire Commercial Cleaning Services

 

Why Choose a Commercial Window Cleaning Expert like Broadway Commercial Cleaning Service for Office Window Cleaning

Sparkling windows are important for maintaining a positive impression of your business and demonstrating commitment to your staff and customers.

Don’t have the time, equipment, or confidence to tackle office window cleaning? Our professional Perth window cleaners have decades of experience and know how to deliver stunning streak-free results.

We use water-fed pole cleaning due to its pristine results, eco-friendly benefits, and high safety profile. Our professional cleaners can handle Perth offices and buildings up to four stories high.

Contact us to learn if our commercial window cleaning solutions are right for your office or business.

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